Diesel and Propane and Gas, Oh My!

One of the most important decisions regarding a bus purchase is the type of fuel to choose. There is a lot of conflicting information out there today…those that say alternative fuels are not worth pursuing, or that diesel is going the way of the dinosaur. The fact of the matter is, each fleet may operate a different fuel type in order to achieve their best total cost of ownership, or TCO.

The main factors that determine the TCO of a school bus are the type of fuel that is used and the cost of service and maintenance over time. These factors go hand-in-hand to help make a financially viable decision on a bus purchase.

Not all fuels are the same, much less the systems that run them, and neither are the needs of every fleet. With a greater selection of viable fuel types available today, you have choices on which will work best for your needs—both in the near- and long-term. Let’s take a look at the three major fuel types:

PropanePropane is a fuel that has gained popularity for many reasons. Ninety percent of the fuel itself is domestically produced in North America, making it less expensive when compared to other fuels, such as diesel. The fuel is naturally very clean, and the bus requires no additional parts in order to reduce harmful emissions. The Ford engine that Blue Bird uses for their propane buses is currently the cleanest combustion engine available for school buses today, achieving 0.05 NOx—well under the current EPA emissions standards—and will soon be certified for 0.02 NOx. These buses provide a 60% reduction in NOx emissions, an 80% reduction in smog-producing hydrocarbons, and a 100% reduction in particulate matter. Propane also starts up great in cold weather—operating in temperatures as low as -40 F with no need for additional heaters or additives.

GasolineMany districts are starting to add gasoline-powered school buses to their fleets. Like its propane cousin, the Blue Bird Vision Gasoline bus is powered by the same Ford engine, and does not require the magnitude of additional parts in order to run clean like a diesel bus does. The Blue Bird Gasoline Vision has the lowest upfront cost, making it a good choice for those who want to save right away. These buses also start up great in cold weather climates, and the fuel is readily available while travelling—making the bus a great choice for those who do regular field trips or sports outings.

DieselDiesel is the dominant fuel for school buses on the market today, making up roughly 80% of all buses currently running. Unlike their older counterparts, today’s diesel buses have the ability to “run clean”—meaning they produce far less emissions today than they have in several decades. This is accomplished by the addition of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), as well as many new parts that filter out the majority of harmful emissions.

The TCO CalculatorIt is important to consider all of the fuel types and how they affect total cost of ownership in order for the best decision to be made for bus fleets. Blue Bird currently offers all available fuel types, including CNG and electric powered buses. Your local Blue Bird Dealer can help you determine the best option for your fleet, considering all of your unique factors. Our TCO Calculator can run the numbers to determine the best options for you. To have a TCO calculation done for your fleet, please contact your local dealer by visiting www.blue-bird.com/find-a-dealer.